The SAPA-China 2025 Pharmaceutical Industry Conference will be grandly held from October 31 to November 1, 2025, at the Shishan International Conference Center in Suzhou. Under the theme “Building an Innovative Ecosystem, Opening a New Era in Pharmaceuticals,” the conference will feature one main forum and 45 parallel sub-forums, bringing together nearly 400 top leaders…
Membrane proteins are key target families in drug discovery, including GPCRs, Claudins (CLDN), Tetraspanins, and transporters, which are involved in signal transduction and substance transport. However, their high hydrophobicity and complex structures often make them unstable in traditional systems.The Nanodisc technology encapsulates membrane proteins within a synthetic lipid bilayer, mimicking the natural membrane environment. This…
On January 10, Harbour BioMed and Kelun-Biotech out-licensed the overseas rights of their jointly developed TSLP antibody HBM9378/SKB378 to Windward Bio. The deal reached a total value of up to USD 970 million. HBM9378/SKB378 is a fully human anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody co-developed by Harbour BioMed and Kelun-Biotech, designed to regulate immune responses by inhibiting the thymic…
Weight loss isn’t just about “eating less and exercising more“; it’s also about the molecular dynamics behind it. While GLP-1 drugs have been a global hit over the past few years, the development of weight loss drugs extends far beyond this one. New metabolic targets are constantly being discovered, and research and clinical progress are…
The 2025 World Lung Cancer Conference (WCLC) will be held by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) in Barcelona, Spain, from September 6th to 9th, 2025. As one of the most influential events in the global oncology community, WCLC provides a platform for academic exchange on the latest research findings and…
In the field of cancer therapy, microtubule inhibitors are among the most classic types of cytotoxic agents. By blocking the dynamic assembly of microtubules, they directly interfere with cell division. From taxanes and vinca alkaloids to MMAE (monomethyl auristatin E), these molecules have long been indispensable weapons in the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). 1….
Membrane proteins account for approximately 20-30% of proteins encoded by the human genome and play central roles in cell signaling, substance transport, and cell recognition. Aberrant expression and dysfunction of membrane proteins are closely associated with a variety of diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and metabolic diseases, making them key focuses in drug discovery. Among…
In recent years, the role of chemokine receptors in immune regulation, tumor development, and tissue repair has attracted increasing attention. C-X-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CXCR7), also known as ACKR3 (Atypical Chemokine Receptor 3), serves as an atypical receptor for CXCL12/CXCL11. Owing to its unique signaling mechanism and functional roles in various diseases, CXCR7 has…
The popularity of the autoimmune track is still in full swing…
Autoimmune diseases are a diverse and complex group of disorders characterized by immune dysregulation resulting from aberrant interactions between the innate and adaptive immune systems. Their pathogenesis is multifactorial, and the clinical manifestations are highly heterogeneous, posing significant challenges to effective treatment. Although recent advances have shed light on key pathological processes and molecular mechanisms,…
1. CAR Positivity Detection As CAR-T therapy matures, reliably measuring CAR expression on T cells has become crucial for preclinical quality control, release criteria, and efficacy prediction. The key metric, “CAR positivity rate” (%CAR⁺), reflects how well CAR binds its target antigen, typically assessed via flow cytometry or ELISA. Common detection reagents include: Notably, detection…
Up to $13 billions! A Roundup of Major Autoimmune Transactions in the First Half of 2025.
In recent years, the successive approvals of two new drugs have once again brought a chemokine receptor into the spotlight. In 2023, the FDA approved Motixafortide (brand name Aphexda) in combination with long-acting G-CSF for hematopoietic stem cell mobilization in patients with multiple myeloma. Then in 2024, the FDA approved Mavorixafor (Xolremdi) for the treatment…
CCR1 (C-C motif chemokine receptor 1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) involved in inflammatory responses and immune cell migration. In recent years, with the deepening research on immune-related diseases and the tumor microenvironment, CCR1 has gradually emerged as an important therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases, tumors, and organ fibrosis. 1. Overview of CCR1 Chemokine monomers…
DIMA’s CXCR4-Nanodisc Empowers New Preprint from David Baker, which is entitled “De novo design of miniprotein agonists and antagonists targeting G protein-coupled receptors”
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex and highly heterogeneous hematologic malignancy closely associated with various cytogenetic and chromosomal abnormalities. Among them, mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene are one of the most common genetic alterations. Studies have shown that approximately 25% of AML patients carry FLT3 internal tandem duplication mutations (FLT3-ITD), while about…
Efforts to improve traditional ADCs have primarily focused on the three key components: the antibody, the linker, and the payload. Previously, we summarized the research progress in bispecific ADCs. Here, we further consolidate the pipeline updates of dual-payload ADCs.
In the drug development efforts targeting complex diseases such as neuropsychiatric disorders, metabolic dysregulation, and cancer, the neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptor family is garnering increasing attention from researchers and pharmaceutical companies alike. As a typical subfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), NPY receptors not only regulate a variety of physiological processes but also play critical…
At the 2025 AACR Annual Meeting, Chinese ADC drugs have emerged in various forms such as bispecific ADCs and dual-toxin ADCs, forming a unique landscape at the AACR meeting. Here, we summarize the key players and target pipelines in the bispecific ADC (BsADC) space, based on AACR data.
DIMA BIOTECH will showcase over 5,000+ in-stock lead mAbs and 500+ in-stock Nanodisc at 2025 CAS and 2025 PEGS.
The 116th AACR Annual Meeting will be held from April 25 to 30, 2025, at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, USA. Among the 6,470 abstracts released for the 2025 AACR, there are 340 related to antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), covering various types such as single-target ADCs, dual-target ADCs, and dual-payload ADCs. These involve numerous…
In recent years, the rapid development of AI-driven drug discovery (AI-based drug discovery) and Cryo-EM (cryo-electron microscopy) has gradually unveiled the mysteries of many previously considered “undruggable” protein targets. Among them, membrane proteins, which are crucial targets for drug development, are now seeing unprecedented breakthroughs under the dual influence of AI and Cryo-EM technologies. However, membrane protein…
In recent years, Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) have gained widespread attention as a key strategy in targeted cancer therapies. The effectiveness of ADCs relies on the specific targeting of the antibody, efficient internalization, and the release of the payload toxin. Therefore, evaluating both the internalization efficiency and cytotoxicity introduced by antibody-payload complex is crucial in ADC…
The 2025 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting is set to take place in Chicago, USA, from April 25 to 30. The recently released conference abstracts highlight the strong presence of Chinese biopharmaceutical companies in the field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). At this year’s conference, Chinese pharmaceutical companies dominate the ADC field, presenting…
On November 20, 2024, Jazz Pharmaceuticals announced that the bispecific antibody Zanidatamab had received accelerated approval from the FDA for the treatment of adult patients with previously treated, unresectable, or metastatic HER2-positive (HER2+, defined as IHC 3+) biliary tract cancer (BTC). Zanidatamab is the first approved HER2-targeting bispecific antibody with dual epitope specificity. On December…
1. About (G4S)n Linkers The (G4S)n linker refers to a flexible linker composed of one or more repeating units of G4S (Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly-Ser). Due to its moderate length and flexibility, this linker is widely used in molecular designs requiring the connection of two proteins or peptides. 1.1 Structure Amino Acid Sequence: (Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly-Ser)n Repeating Modules: Composed of…
1. About Synthetic Nanodisc The lipid composition of traditional membrane scaffold protein (MSP) nanodiscs often differs from that of natural cell membranes, which can lead to deviations in membrane protein properties compared to their native environment. To address this limitation, DIMA has developed the Synthetic Nanodisc platform. This innovative technology enables the direct preparation of…
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a pivotal molecular target in the treatment and diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). Over the past two decades, extensive research has illuminated its unique molecular characteristics, paving the way for advanced diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. PSMA-targeted imaging techniques, particularly positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers, have demonstrated exceptional sensitivity in detecting…
Recent statistics reveal a growing interest in targeting GDF-15 for therapeutic interventions. Currently, there are several drugs targeting GDF-15, with some facing challenges or discontinuation. Of the remaining candidates, many are in early development stages, including preclinical and clinical trials. Specifically, a few drugs have advanced to Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials. These…
Recent advancements in the field of nuclear medicine have highlighted the significance of B-Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) as a pivotal target for the diagnosis and treatment of Multiple Myeloma (MM). In a groundbreaking study published in the European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, a collaborative effort by the molecular imaging team at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences has demonstrated the efficacy of the radiolabeled antibody [89Zr]Zr-DFO-BCMAh230430 in non-invasive PET imaging of MM. This research represents a significant step forward in the development of specific immuno-PET probes targeting BCMA, which is highly expressed in malignant plasma cells.
In 2024, the radiopharmaceutical sector has seen a flurry of activity in mergers and acquisitions. In March, AstraZeneca announced a $2.4 billion acquisition of Fusion Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing next-generation radiolabeled conjugates (RDCs). In April, Novartis invested nearly $2.71 billion to partner with PeptiDream to co-develop several macrocyclic-targeted conjugate radiopharmaceuticals. In May, Novartis made…
On September 25, 2024, I-Mab announced a strategic collaboration with Sanofi to develop, produce, and commercialize uliledlimab in Greater China. This partnership, valued at approximately €213 million (around 1.7 billion RMB), aims to leverage Sanofi’s expertise in oncology to accelerate the development and commercialization of uliledlimab, which is an innovative CD73 monoclonal antibody independently developed…
On September 17, a collaboration between Daiichi Sankyo and Merck announced that patritumab deruxtecan, a potentially first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting HER3, has met its primary endpoint for progression-free survival (PFS) in the Phase 3 lung cancer trial HERTHENA-Lung02. This treatment demonstrated statistically significant improvement compared to platinum-based chemotherapy combined with pemetrexed induction and pemetrexed…
According to a blog released by market intelligence provider Future Market Insights, Inc. (FMI) on September 12 this year, the global market for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) drugs is showing significant growth, with surprising acceleration. FMI predicts that the SLE drug market will experience robust expansion in the coming years. In 2020, the market was…
On August 27, 2024, Legend Biotech’s BCMA CAR-T product, Carvykti® (generic name: ciltacabtagene autoleucel injection), received approval from the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Previously, under Johnson & Johnson’s leadership, Carvykti had already been introduced in the United States, the European Union,…
Do you remember the temperature and touch receptor TRPV1 that made American scientists David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian accessible to the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2021? Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) has gained significant attention in the field of pain treatment due to its potential as a therapeutic target. However, as…
On July 16, 2024, Dr. Roger Cone, co-founder of the preclinical biotech company Courage, published a study in The Journal of Clinical Investigation titled “Subthreshold activation of the melanocortin system causes generalized sensitization to anorectic agents in mice.” The research demonstrated the synergistic effect between GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA) and MC4R agonists, revealing that low…
On June 25, 2024, at the 2024 American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions, Suzhou Innovent Biologics and Eli Lilly announced the results of a Phase 3 clinical trialfor the GLP-1R x GCGR dual agonist, Mazdutide. This marks the first Phase 3 clinical trial (GLORY-1) in overweight or obese adults in China。The study’s primary results and exploratory endpoints of liver fat content were disclosed, showing that Mazdutide acts as a dual agonist for both GLP-1R and GCGR. It reduces body weight by suppressing appetite and delaying gastric emptying through GLP-1R activation, while enhancing weight loss efficacy by increasing energy expenditure via GCGR activation. Notably, Mazdutide uniquely promotes fatty acid oxidation and lipolysis in the liver through GCGR activation, thereby improving liver fat metabolism. As GCGR plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism, it has become a hot target in the development of diabetes and weight loss drugs.Let’s delve into the role of the Glucagon Receptor (GCGR).
The B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a target that gained prominence due to its association with multiple myeloma, has recently shown significant progress in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. On May 10, 2024, a research team led by Wang Wei from the Department of Neurology at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science…
Currently, the most popular GLP1-based monotherapy, Semaglutide, controls blood sugar by promoting insulin secretion and induces a lasting sense of fullness to reduce appetite. However, this drug can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting, which can affect patient adherence to the treatment. On July 10, 2024, Kuei-Pin Huang and colleagues published a paper…
On February 27, 2024, Viking Therapeutics announced the results of their Phase IIa clinical study for VK2735, a dual GLP-1R/GIPR agonist for obesity. The results showed a maximum weight loss of 13.1% after 13 weeks of treatment. Following this news, Viking’s stock surged by 121%. The company has received written feedback from the FDA and…
In March 2024, AbbVie announced its decision to terminate the development of IMGC936 in collaboration with MacroGenics, citing that the clinical phase I trial results did not meet the expected safety and efficacy targets. IMGC936 was an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting ADAM9, initially developed through a partnership between ImmunoGen and MacroGenics, with each holding a…
Membrane proteins are essential for cell functions such as maintaining cellular physiological processes, playing crucial roles in substance transport, signal transduction, and cell recognition. They constitute approximately 25% of the total proteome encoded by the human genome. Currently, membrane protein targets account for over 60% of known drug targets and over 90% of antibody drug…
Seizure related 6 homolog (SZE6) is a transmembrane protein discovered on the surface of selected neuronal lineage cells. Its expression is limited in normal tissues but highly expressed in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), making it an ideal target for ADC (Antibody-Drug Conjugate) therapy. AbbVie presented early data on their SEZ6 ADC drug, ABBV-706, in…
In March 2024, a preclinical study titled “Raludotatug Deruxtecan, a CDH6-Targeting Antibody–Drug Conjugate with a DNA Topoisomerase I Inhibitor DXd, Is Efficacious in Human Ovarian and Kidney Cancer Models” was published in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. This study demonstrated that Raludotatug Deruxtecan, developed by Daiichi Sankyo, is effective against human ovarian and kidney cancer models. Additionally,…
At the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting, one of the highlights was the MRG004A-001 study conducted by Professor Yu Xianjun’s team, marking a milestone in the exploration of escalating doses of MRG004A, an ADC drug targeting tissue factor TF/CD142. Carried out in the United States and China, the study’s findings are significant. Among 12 evaluated pancreatic…
At the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting, HANGZHOU DAC BIOTECHNOLOGY (abbreviated as DAC Biotech) presented preclinical data on their STEAP1 ADC, DXC008. This ADC targets both STEAP1 and PSMA, showing high affinity for STEAP1 and moderate affinity for PSMA. Preclinical data demonstrated that a single dose of 1 mpk produced durable anti-tumor responses in xenograft models…
During the 2024 ASCO conference, Professor Zhang Jian of Fudan University’s Cancer Hospital unveiled the Phase I/II clinical trial outcomes for 9MW2821, an ADC drug targeting Nectin-4, designed to combat advanced solid tumors. The drug demonstrated promising results, particularly in treating urothelial carcinoma, cervical cancer, esophageal cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer. Concurrently, CSPS showcased their…
The 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting (ASCO 2024) will take place in Chicago, USA, from May 31st to June 4th. As a major event in the cancer treatment community, it will reveal many important clinical research outcomes and the latest innovations. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which cleverly combine targeted antibody therapies with powerful…
Folate receptor alpha (FRα), due to its differential expression in various tumor or cancer tissues compared to normal tissues, is considered an ideal druggable target. In the past, pharmaceutical companies have ventured into developing FRα-targeted therapies, including small molecule conjugates and monoclonal antibody drugs like Morphotek’s humanized monoclonal antibody farletuzumab, and Endocyte’s small molecule conjugate…